by A. Gorman
I’ve totally lost my appetite for partying tonight. Instead, I want to sweat out all my built-up frustrations on the dance floor with the one person who knows me and how much Aedan Hughes affects me.
Chapter ten
Aedan
As I stand by the bar, watching Jess dance like an adult entertainer shaking her ass for everyone to see, thoughts of dragging her from the dance floor take over my mind. I hope no one is snapping pictures of this little display she is putting on with Laney. I should be out there on the floor with my leg between her smooth thighs and my hands on her tight, curvy body. I need to calm myself down before I have to adjust myself in public.
I dream of the day I can publicly take her out, if she will have me, and not in this creepy stalker way. I’ve been crushing on her forever and working for her father on his insane plan hasn’t made that crush go away. I’ve learned so much about Jesse’s childhood all the way up to now.
Working beside McCoy for the past few years, I’ve noticed he has hardened a lot over the last couple of months. I’m wondering if some of that hardness comes from his wife. I don’t care much for Mrs. McCoy because I’ve seen plenty of women like her—the trophy wife. I honestly don’t know what he sees in her. She is not much older than Jesse, but he is my boss. What can I say?
Son of a bitch, some days I wish this wasn’t my job. This show she is putting on is getting a little out of hand. I will step in if I notice any men trying to take advantage of them, and I know I’ll need to watch her until she leaves and make sure she gets to a cab safely.
***
Jesse
Laney and I hail what I think is the last available taxi in Denver. I promptly give the driver my address and we are on our way home. What in the hell was Aedan Hughes doing at Club Vine, especially when there are classier clubs in the city? I’m not saying we’re not classy, but Club Vine is more for the “younger” crowd, not Aedan.
“Jesse, I really think you should hook up with that hottie from work,” Laney slurs as she puts her head back on the headrest of the cab’s seat.
I sigh at her statement. She knows the very reason why I can’t sleep with Aedan—my father’s beloved contract. As part of the agreement of me coming to work for him, I had to agree not to have a relationship with anyone in McCoy Investments, and I can’t move up the ranks of the company until I graduate from college.
The punishment was fitting for me since I decided to think with my lady head instead of my brain when I married Chet. He wanted to make sure I didn’t use my name to get me to the top. I know the company like the back of my hand, but all I was good for in his eyes without that diploma was answering the phones.
The contract wasn’t really something I had to think about when it came to sex because I could go out with other people. Yes, McCoy Investments is a large employer, but I don’t understand why all of a sudden Aedan is coming on to me. There has to be a reason. I know my father and Aedan meet a lot, but I thought it was only security details about the company or about my father. I wonder if Aedan knows about my contract with my father.
“You know why, Laney. My father made sure Aedan was off limits, and I’ll be damned if I let one night of sex screw up everything since I’m trying to repair my relationship with my father. I’ve already been there and done that with Chet,” I say, staring out of the taxi’s window.
Laney softly snores in the seat beside me, and I smile. I still can’t believe she is moving back to Denver and will be living with me. Having her here feels like a dream. The driver pulls me out of my thoughts when he tells me we have arrived at my house.
I wake up a sleepy Laney and tip the driver. We make it up the steps and unlock the door, and then I help a very drunk and tired Laney to her room. She says, “Thanks, roomie, for making sure I made it home okay.” Then she passes out on top of her covers, still fully dressed.
Removing her shoes, I roll her over so I can unzip her dress. I leave her in her underwear, as I was lucky to get the dress over her head. I pull the covers over her and tuck her in. Before I turn out the light and leave the room, I whisper, “Thank you, Laney Lou.” I finally turn off the light and make my way to my own room.
Although I had plenty to drink, I stopped drinking before Laney did. I wanted to be somewhat alert when we came home. I decide to take a shower before going to bed because I want to remove the sweat from dancing for hours with my best friend on the dance floor.
My thoughts go back to the club and Aedan. He didn’t approach me the rest of the night, but I could feel him watching us, me. His gaze kept my body on fire, and I thought of him out there, dancing ever so close to my body, running his big hands up and down my needy body. He didn’t dance with anyone all night, and he stood at the bar, staring at me as if he wanted to take me right there on the dance floor. The thought of being under him gives me goose bumps.
Removing my clothes, I step into the shower, letting the water wash away the sweat and alcohol from my body. I close my eyes while the water runs over my head. His steely blue eyes haunt my mind as I see them take in my features, burning with desire. I gasp and almost choke on the water as it fills my mouth. Pulling my head from the water, I grab a towel to wipe the water from my face.
What the hell, Jesse? You’ve been around Aedan since you came back to Denver. Why are you letting this man get in your head now?
I think I need a new date from the website. I make a mental note to check my messages Monday to see if I have any email replies. I hope that Mr. Levi has gotten back to me. I wash my hair and body, and I let the water wash away the bubbles and the thoughts of Aedan Hughes. I cannot let this man come between me taking over the company. If I have to take a B.O.B. to work with me, I will not let Aedan Hughes break me down and come between my goal and me.
After getting out of the shower and drying off, I brush my teeth and head to my dresser to get my favorite pj pants and t-shirt to sleep in. I grab lotion, which is on my nightstand, and I sit on my king-sized, black sleigh bed while I apply the lotion to my body.
My bedroom is my favorite room in the house. The walls are painted teal with a complimentary wall of black and teal stripes. All my furniture is black cherry and the bedding is all black. The darkness of everything comforts me.
Finally, I get in bed and pull the covers over my exhausted body, and it’s not long before sleep over takes me.
Chapter eleven
Jesse
The sound of my phone ringing wakes me up. I don’t recognize the number, so I let it go to voicemail. I put my phone back on my nightstand and get up to start my day. When I finally make it downstairs, I start the coffee because I know Laney will need it this morning, and I go ahead and make her a light breakfast. The smell of the coffee must have woke her because she is down here as soon as the pot finishes brewing.
“Morning, whore. Why did you let me drink so much?” Laney complains, squinting her eyes as she stares at me.
“Morning, Laney Lou!” I say with a smile.
“Oh my God, you’re too chipper. You suck.”
“Hush. I made coffee and your breakfast will be on the table in a few. How many eggs do you want?”
“Two, please. Over medium. Aspirin?”
“I’ll grab you two and a glass of water. Just stay seated.”
I grab the aspirin and a glass out of the cabinet.
“Last night was so much fun. When I move here, we need to make clubbing a weekly event.”
“Sounds like a plan to me. Here’s your aspirin and water. Make sure to drink all of it so you don’t get dehydrated,” I say matter-of-factly.
“Yes, Mother,” she snaps playfully.
“It will be nice to have you here. I work and come home every day, then go on hookups from the dating website whenever I need something other than B.O.B.”
Tilting her head, she looks at me while she lets what I said register. “Are you sure you’re not a hermit?”
I laugh at my friend. “No, Lanes. You know I’m trying to li
ve a private life, especially after what I went through in Indy. I never want to see my name in the papers again.”
“Jesse. That. Was. Not. Your. Fault. It was an obvious set-up. He knew what he was going to do from day one. However, I don’t think the pregnancy went as planned. He was going after your dad’s money.”
I grimace. “I know, but why didn’t I see through his scheme? I should have known when everything went in my name, but he was paying the bills. It’s frustrating.”
“Girl, it’s over and done. Chalk it up to being young and dumb. You’ve paid for it in more ways than one. It’s time to get rid of the taint from him. You have been here almost two years. It’s time for you to meet someone and have your happily ever after,” she says as she looks at me with her puppy dog eyes.
“Ugh! I wish it were so easy. I should be up on the fiftieth floor, working, instead of playing phone tag with Aedan. What the hell is that about? It’s like my dad is having him babysit me while I work. I should have all this shit figured out and I don’t, but I finally realized what I’m going to do about Aedan,” I say with some confidence.
“Fuck him?”
“I am going to blow him off. I want to be CEO and I can’t do that if I throw myself at him.”
“You’re going to give him head?” She smirks.
“No! That isn’t want I meant. I mean I’m going to ignore him,” I yell at her.
“Meow, lady, although I think fucking him sounds like a good idea.” She laughs. “But all this feistiness is a bit like the old you. Maybe it’s coming back?”
“I feel better now that you’re moving in. Maybe that’s what I’m missing…you. Perhaps I won’t need so many random hookups with you back, although we could get hookups together.” I look at her, wondering if she will come to my dark little world.
“Um. Hmm. No, thank you. I like to at least know the guy I’m fucking. I know you have a rule about that, but no.”
“Ouch.” I laugh. “Let’s relax today and work on getting the house ready for you,” I say with a huge smile.
“Perfect!” she says, appearing almost human now.
We decide that Laney will move in to the basement of the house. The lower part is a fully finished walkout basement. The space has a large bedroom with a full bathroom, a large family room, and an office. The area used to be our playroom when we were younger, but when we started staying over on the weekends, my grandparents remodeled, adding the bedroom. After my mom died, I stayed here a lot more than just the weekends. That’s when Grandpa had the office put in so I could do homework in there since he worked a lot from his den, which I now use as a library.
After cleaning the basement, we get everything ready to move her furniture in. Luckily, I gave away most of my grandparents’ things once my grandma passed away. Items the family didn’t want or have an attachment to went to a local abuse shelter to raise money for the abused. I’m sure I could have sold the items for money, but I couldn’t do it.
The space is practically bare and ready for Laney to move in. She likes the Victorian feel my grams introduced to the area. She said she would leave it like this for now.
I’m super excited that she will be moving in soon. While finishing up, we realize it’s getting time for dinner. We decide to take showers and order a pizza. Before long, True Blood will be on, and that is the one show we do not miss. We love us some Alexander Skarsgård. The pizza arrives, and we eat it and drink beer while watching sexier than sin vampires drink some blood.
After the show, we head to bed because Laney is riding into the city with me tomorrow. She’s dropping me off at work so she can head to the museum to fill out paperwork and get things rolling for her upcoming move. This weekend was perfect.
Chapter Twelve
Aedan
I want to make sure I get to the office before Jesse does, so I head out earlier than normal. I want to confront her about her actions in the club. When I get in the shower, I think about Jesse dancing on the dance floor. I’m going to have to relieve myself before I go into the office today or I’ll be walking around with a hard-on.
I make quick work of finding my release by thinking of Jesse’s curvy body and full, firm breasts and finish showering. I decide to leave a little stubble today and comb my dark auburn hair back, thinking I need to get it trimmed, but I like it a little longer. I look like a badass.
The walk-in closet is located outside of my bathroom. I enter it and choose my black, wool Tom Ford two-button suit. I want to make sure I look in total control today, so I add a gray dress shirt and the green tie I had on Saturday because it reminds me of Jesse’s eyes. I finish getting dressed and make sure to spray myself with my favorite cologne, Ralph Lauren. I’ve worn it forever; it’s one thing I won’t give up from simpler times in my life.
Bypassing the coffee I smell coming out of the kitchen as I walk by, I head straight to the garage instead of pouring a cup. I’ll stop and get some on the way to the office. My cell phone rings as I head out the door. When I look down, I see it’s McCoy. He’s contacting me to make sure I knew about Natalie, my part-time assistant. I tell him that I planned to be in the office all week if he needed anything since he will be out of town for the week.
He asked me to stay on Jesse’s detail since Laney’s in town. He’s got a gut feeling something isn’t right. He doesn’t want them to bring any unwanted attention since he’s getting ready to head out of town. I agree, especially after Saturday night.
After ending the call, I push the button to start my Volvo Concept Coup. This car isn’t due out until next year, but with my contacts, I was able to get the second concept car off the assembly line, a benefit of McCoy doing business with the richest people in the world.
When I arrive at the office, I see Jesse and her friend pulling up to the front of the building. I hurry up and park my car and try to make it inside the building before she can get in the elevator and shut the door. She’s going through security, and I am five steps behind her. She’s oblivious that I’m so close. I give a curt nod to security and slide into the elevator before the doors can close. When I look in her eyes, I decide I’m going to let her know about her behavior.
***
Jesse
I’m actually up before my alarm clock goes off this morning. As I get ready, I take my time in the shower and make sure everything is properly washed, spending a little too much time on my lady bits.
I get out and dry myself off. I go with curly hair today and decide to spend a little extra time on my makeup. To play up my green eyes, I add some plum eyeshadow. Before you go all judgey on me, seriously try it. I was the same way but Laney took me to Sephora back in Indiana and had me try it before I bought it. I was totally amazed by the difference. I thought it would clash with my strawberry blonde hair, but it’s hot. I add a little smoke to my eyes and finish with clear lip gloss.
Grabbing a nude pair of thongs and the matching bra from my dresser, I go to my walk-in closet and decide I’m going to wear trousers today with a fitted blouse and jacket. I love trouser pants. They are so comfortable. These are black and they are semi fitted. They tamper right at the ankle. I pair them with a sheer white blouse, cropped black jacket, and put on a pair of red Steve Madden pumps.
Needing some coffee, I head downstairs to make some before I head to work. Laney arrives downstairs looking beautiful. She’s dressed in a flowing, flowery bohemian skirt with a fitted white t-shirt and a jean jacket. She looks like she came from a Boho photo shoot.
Grabbing two mugs, I pour us both some coffee and ask Laney if she wants breakfast, but she declines. I don’t eat before I go to work; I usually take a piece of fruit as I walk out the door. We get our things ready to go to the city. I normally don’t like the drive, but if I can commute with Laney, I will learn to love it. I love that my office isn’t far from the museum. Just a short cab ride there.
“All ready to go?” I ask as I get my purse and keys.
“Yes. I’m nervous as hell, though. I
haven’t met the vice president or the curator in person. I’ve only held video conferences with them. I’m ready to get there and get this paperwork shit over with.”
“Understandable. Do you think you will be finished up by noon so we can grab lunch?” I ask, wondering if I will have to take a cab to lunch.
“I should be. I’ll text you when I get a free moment.”
“Sounds peachy keen, jelly bean.”
Smiling, she picks up her things as we head to the garage to get the car and drive to work. She takes the keys from me as she heads toward the driver’s side, which is totally fine with me. She can deal with the crazies.
***
Glancing down at my watch, I see we’ve arrived at the office thirty minutes early. All that driving in Indianapolis made Laney a very aggressive and heavy-footed driver. I am glad an officer didn’t pull us over, but in her defense, she did stay with the flow of traffic. I normally drive below the speed limit, like an old grandma.
Mr. Mills greets me at the door. “Good Monday morning, Ms. McCoy. I hope you’re having a great day!”
Giving him a smile, I reply, “It’s been a great morning, thank you.”
I head to the bank of elevators and get in. As I hit the close door button, Aedan steps in. Oh, shit. Here goes my great morning.
“Morning, Jesse. How was your weekend?” he asks with a glint in his eye. His scowl turns me on. My panties are getting wet. What the hell?
“Morning, Aedan. It was pretty good, but you already know about my Saturday night,” I state, cutting straight to the point, willing my body not to be betray me.
“That I do. Does your father know you went to a club with the worst reputation in the city, dressed like a whore and basically fucked your friend on the dance floor?” He smirks.